..... individuals. the question then is narrowed to the inquiry whether in the case stated, a contract existed and whether that contract is violated by the act of 1804. every requisite to the formation of a contract is found in the proceedings between the then colony of new jersey and the indians. the subject was a purchase on the part of the government of extensive claims of ..... the indians the extinguishment of which would quiet the title to a large portion of the province ..... . (7 cranch) 164 error to the circuit court of new jersey syllabus a legislative act declaring that certain lands which should be purchased for the indians should not thereafter be subject to any tax constituted a contract which could not be rescinded by a subsequent legislative act. such repealing act being void under that clause of the constitution of the united states which prohibits a ..... from taxation, and then in consideration of the arrangement previously made, one of which this act of assembly is stated to be the indians execute their deed of cession. this is certainly a contract clothed in forms of unusual solemnity. the privilege, though for the benefit of the indians, is annexed, by the terms which create it, to the land itself, not to their .....